COLOURFUL EVENT: A section of the participants in the launching ceremony waving the Jalur Gemilang. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
S’wak launches 50th independence anniversary with simultaneous gatherings across the state
KUCHING: About 50,000 gathered simultaneously at 47 venues throughout the state to launch the 50th independence anniversary celebration last night.
ARRIVAL: Salahuddin (second right) and Norkiah walking into the stadium for the launching of the celebration. — Bernama photo
The main venue of the celebration at the indoor State Unity Stadium at Petra Jaya here was attended by about 5,000 people led by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said unity and racial harmony are the foundation of the state’s 50 years of prosperity and progress in Malaysia.
He added that Sarawak is now in a position to contribute significantly to the development of the nation.
Taib pointed out the seeds of the state’s success were planted by past leaders who agreed to maintain peace and stability through Alliance a ruling coalition which is the forerunner of Barisan Nasional (BN). “These are the fruits of our past leaders’ sacrifices. The spirit of the Alliance gave us the basis of our unity. This was proven successful. The most important thing in developing our community was not racial-based politics but our strength in unity in diversity.”
Taib added that through BN the state had progressed from the backwaters of development to a land of opportunities and comfortable standard of living
The chief minister urged parents to guide their children to focus on the development and opportunities in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy to raise their living standard.
“We aspire to see our children being able to achieve success (standard of living) on par with that of the United States and Europe in 20 years’ time,” he said.
Taib also called on all races to work closer with each other to ensure Sarawak achieve a developed status and high income economy by 2030.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numbang who also spoke at the event said the jubilee celebration last night was aimed at reflecting the struggles of past leaders in the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
He added that under Taib’s leadership the state had progressed significantly and is moving towards greater heights.
CELEBRATION STARTS: Head of State Tun Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng (second right) and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah with (from left) State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nasar, Masing, Jabu and Taib wave national and state flags during the ceremony. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
Jabu: I strongly support Taib
“I am optimistic the government transformation programme can be implemented successfully to achieve the rate of poverty will be below five per cent while the gross domestic product (GDP) increases. I strongly support Taib to continue his leadership for some more years to come,” said Jabu who is also Minister of Rural Development and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, who spearheads the celebration themed ‘Sarawak Harmoni, Kemakmuran Dinikmati’, said various events had been lined-up for the occasion until Sept 16 with the aim of demonstrating the state’s achievements and uniting the people.
BIG TURNOUT: A section of the 5,000 crowd gathering at Stadium Perpaduan for the 50th Independence Anniversary celebration launching. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
1MALAYSIA: A part of the performance at the stadium. — Bernama photo
TRADITIONAL: Performers participating in the celebration do. — Bernama1Malaysia